Verdon Canyon

Europe’s most spectacular canyon, wild, unspoilt territory where extreme sports and sensations reign supreme. From the top hill villages you can enjoy a wonderful view all the way down to the lake of the gorges.

Green Provence

Rivers, mountains, vineyards, a sacred forest, the Sainte-Baume where St. Mary Magdalene took refuge: This green landscape was a haven of peace for the counts of Provence who sheltered from the hot weather in their castles during the summer.

Mediterranean Provence

From fishing villages to mountain-top villages, from the vines of Bandol to the palm trees of the îles d’Or, Mediterranean Provence holds out one of Europe’s loveliest coastlines and natural sites of exceptionally unspoilt character.

Bay of St Tropez & French Riviera

The Mediterranean’s most renowned corner of paradise, with the hilltop village-strewn Massif des Maures as its backdrop. The vivid red of the Estérel rocks contrasts with the indigo of the sea as you journey back through time.

Secret Provence

On the trail of Europe's ancient civilisations, these breathtaking hilly landscapes set in the heart of traditional Provence positively brim with vineyards of renown, picturesque mediaeval villages, monasteries and craft workshops.

Nautical Distances

SAINT CYR SUR MER: Introduction to the Calanques beauties

Surrounded by pine forests and famed vineyards, to be discovered along the Sentier des Vignes, the bay has a 2-km fine sandy beach that is on the Sentier du Littoral coastal path, with the fabulous Calanques de Cassis rocky inlets nearby.

BANDOL: Wine Capital of Provence

A highly prized seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur, Bandol offers many fine sandy beaches and a bustling seafront lined with pretty shops. Bandol is famous for its wines, which are served at the finest restaurants around the world.

SANARY SUR MER: The authenticity of Provence, the charm of the Riviera

You are sure to be seduced by this authentic little fishing village, with its rows of traditional, brightly coloured boats. All year round, in the shade of its bustling streets, lovers of art, crafts and design will be in their element.

LES EMBIEZ ISLAND: A shelter for nature & oceanography lovers

TOULON: A port in the heart of the city

Between sea and mountain, in the heart of one of Europe’s finest natural harbours, maritime and Provençal Toulon is sure to amaze you with its beaches, cable car, old town, authentic Provençal market and a host of other treasures.

FREJUS A LAND OF ELEGANCE

SAINT RAPHAËL: French Riviera and Gateway to the French Gran Canyon

Overhanged by the Massif de l’Esterel (characteristic ochre moutain range), Saint Raphaël and Fréjus, vibrant and bustling, offer a host of nautical and nature activities. The Gorges du Verdon, France’s very own Grand Canyon, and the hinterland villages, abound in appeal.

Gastronomy & Local Region

Var, a gentle land where the simple joys of good living and good food are cultivated. Come and discover the pleasures of our countryside, the protected natural environment, local producers and good food with the subtle flavours of our Provence.

The Good Life

With its natural and cultural riches, each visitor may find in Var a real box of authentic delights: crickets beneath the breeze, fields of lavender and olive trees, vines and orchards, fine sandy beaches, Provence markets, warm and colourful…

Crafts

The department’s artists and craft workers invite you to meet them in their workshops, so they may share their knowledge and methods with you, along with their tools, their tricks of the trade and their passion.

Themed Trails

These trails are an original means of discovering the many faces of Var: history, nature and the land... They point you towards Var’s best-kept secrets and subtleties, inviting you to breathe in, savour, listen and contemplate during your stay.

Sports and Leisure

With its varied landscapes, its tumultuous rivers, its peaceful lakes, its mountains, its hiking and discovery trails, its thick forests, not to mention its coastline and its 300 days of sunshine a year, Var represents the ideal place for a whole range of outdoor activities.

Architectural Heritage

Var, the land that welcomed civilisations and trade, offers astonishing architectural heritage. Discover medieval villages and the wealth of religious heritage with its shrines, chapels, churches and Charterhouses.

Natural Heritage

Var has a very rich natural heritage, to the delight of nature lovers. You will be seduced by the many massifs and hillsides wooded with pines and oaks, terraced olive groves and paths running through the vines.

History

Var abounds in many relics, bearing witness to its history. From megaliths to Roman cities, to the memorial to the Second World War, Var reveals its rich past through remarkable natural sites and museums.

Your selection

Lifestyle

With its natural and cultural riches, each visitor may find in Var a real box of authentic delights: crickets beneath the breeze, fields of lavender and olive trees, vines and orchards, fine sandy beaches, Provence markets, warm and colourful…

VINEYARD & CRECHE EXHIBITION

Provençal tradictions and lifestyle are intertwined with the history of this vineyard that dates back over 400 years!

After learning about the history of the family during a stroll through the castle gardens, visit the cellars (3500 m2) and learn more the work of a winegrower: Taste the "Crus classés" wines and discover the crèche (nativity crib) museum and its 1800 "santons" (typical ornamental figurines of Provence) dating back for many of them to the 18yh century.

A day out in the countryside

Come and enjoy a day of country life and farming at Rocbaron. Winemakers will welcome you to their estates to taste their wines. You can then visit a goat farm and spend a little while experiencing farming life by feeding or milking the animals, before sampling some farmhouse cheese of course!

Tourist train excursion across the Haut Var

Hop on board a tourist train and travel across a number of districts of the Haut-Var, including Besse sur Issole, Sainte-Anastasie, Forcalqueiret, Camps la Source and La Celle. Upon your arrival in Brignoles, you will tour the town’s historic centre, its museum dedicated to Provence (paintings, traditional objects, historic objects, etc.), as well as the former Palace of the Counts of Provence.

Les Médiévales de Brignoles [Brignoles Mediaeval Festival] (August)

“Médiévales de Brignoles” [Brignoles Mediaeval Festival] has become a key annual event, with a rich and eclectic programme of street artists, actors, storytellers, jugglers, minstrels, musicians, fencers, dancers, animal tamers, clowns, stilt-walkers, magicians, lords and craftsmen. A cocktail of surprises and a real artistic and popular journey to the heart of the Middle Ages! An absolute “must”!!!

Festival of Chestnuts and Local Produce (October)

Following a visit to the historic centre of Brignoles, you will discover the Chestnut Festival in Camps la Source. You may enjoy the many events promoting chestnuts, wine and other local products, including music, drumming and numerous stands selling chestnuts, chestnuts jam, honey, nougat, olive oil, wine, etc. A delight for the eyes and the taste buds!

The garden of 1001 palms

If you like plants you’ll be thrilled to meet our world-renowned botanist specialising in palm trees. Enter a bubble of tropical delights on the Mediterranean in this private Garden of 1001 palms, and our botanist will reveal all the secrets of the magnificent palm tree. Then you’ll enjoy a Provencal aperitif in the garden itself and have the chance to chat with the expert gardener before dining in a charming restaurant where Provencal cuisine are the speciality.

Bravades de Saint-Tropez historic military parades

For this unique event the town of Saint-Tropez becomes a theatre at the heart of a traditional Provencal festival; you will see parades of full military dress, sailors and musketeers. You’ll be as excited as the locals to watch the ever-popular water jousting. A guide specialising in regional history and Provencal traditions will explain the history behind all these special events. After this tour of the heart of the old town, enjoy a Provencal aperitif on an outdoor terrace or in another exceptional setting.

Pipes from Cogolin

Take a tour of the craftsman’s pipe workshop in Cogolin opened in 1802 by the Corrieu brothers. The trade has been handed down from father to son ever since, and the Corrieus still make their pipes out of the finest heather, sourced in the surrounding Var region and hand selected by the master pipe maker himself. You may combine this tour with a wine-tasting in a nearby vineyard (Domaine de la Roulière) and enjoy locally made wine and products.

The old town in Saint Tropez

Follow your guide as he leads you through the old town where you will discover picturesque squares and little streets with lovely architectural details, Place Garezzio, the Portalet tower, la Ponche, the Jarlier tower, Rue Gambetta and Place des Lices, all part of Saint Tropez’s heritage. You’ll learn about the town’s inhabitants, noteworthy seafarers, captains, sailors and others, all of whom made their living from the sea for centuries.

Discover the joys of a traditional Provençal game: pétanque! With careful guidance from a professional, you will be introduced to the rules and subtleties of this sociable game. By the shade of the plantains, pit your wits against your opponents, then savour the taste of victory over a Provençal aperitif. Laughter and relaxation guaranteed!

Taste tour (honey, wine and chocolate)

After a guided tour of the mediaeval village of Roquebrune sur Argens and the Musée du Chocolat [Chocolate Museum], you will have the opportunity to taste some local produce, including honey, wine and chocolate. Enough to please any food lover! The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish, strolling through the narrow streets of this mediaeval village, falling under the spell of its charm and its authenticity.

Taste trip (local canned goods, honey and wine)

Food lovers will be pleased to discover the Carcès canning factory, as well as the Ruchers du Bessilon (honey production).A wine-tasting session at a winemaking estate in the heart of the vineyards is also planned. You will end the day with some free time in the charming village of Cotignac (cave dwellings).

Organic wine and produce visit

At the start of the day, you will enjoy wine-tasting in an organic vineyard and learn the secrets of organic winemaking. In the afternoon you may visit the picturesque village of Correns, the first “organic” village in France. Following this visit, you will easily understand why these producers have opted for organic farming, in complete harmony with the surrounding preserved countryside.

The charming and picturesque villages of the Var

The charming villages of the Var nestle on sun-drenched plains or hang from the sides of grassy and sweet-scented hills, built near the dry-stone walls (restanques) used to create terraces for growing the vines and olive trees that proudly cling to the hillsides. Here in the heart of secret, authentic Provence, you will discover these unique and privileged places where the history and identity of the Var has been forged, and where time appears to have stood still.

The secrets of a master French chef

The heart of a village perched along the cliffs is the stunning setting where our master French chef from a restaurant that has been awarded Michelin stars will help you choose your vegetables from the garden before creating famous dishes out of them.

After that, you’ll get to enjoy your culinary creations in this authentic setting where it really seems as if time has stood still.

Cooking classes at Le Mas des Candeliers

Wine tourism at its finest – first take a cooking class and then enjoy the fruits of your labour served with wine from the domain. In the company of Véronique Sibille, a chef who is truly in love with Provencal gastronomy, you’ll try your hand at and master pissaladière, pan bagnat, aïoli, bouillabaisse, pistou, daube and other regional delicacies. Olive trees and lavender, fine wine and haute cuisine are all blended together in Mas des Candeliers for a unique and memorable culinary voyage.

Cooking classes at the Château de Berne

In the heart of Provence lies the Château de Berne, some 600 hectares where authenticity and savoir-faire have been cultivated since 1750. Here, you’ll take a two hour cooking class, after which you can enjoy your delicious work served with award-winning wine from the domain, and in the company of the chef, no less.

Play golf!

After a quick introduction and the expert advice of a professional, you’ll feel just like Tiger Woods! After all that effort, relax and enjoy lunch in an idyllic, friendly setting by the green at the restaurant “le Z”. You may also choose to end the day with a wine tasting of Côtes de Provence wines from the Château Vaudois domain, wines that are served in the best restaurants of the region.

Guided gourmet Tour: "Flavours and discoveries"

In line with cultural and culinary traditions, Saint-Raphaël, like Provence, has over the years managed to perpetuate the authentic colours and flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. Tour the town's markets and try the Provence specialities that await you: tapenade, olive oil, piperade, etc.